Kawasaki Vulcan® 1700 Voyager®, Death Valley Adventure

[slickflyguy]

Test drove a 2011 Nomad this past late summer. As I was approaching the first stop on the group ride, the engine stalled out as I approached the stoplight for no reason. I had to pull over and restart the bike. I don't know if Kawasaki has solved that problem yet?

[THESHED1876]

Mines had the updates(though never needed them) 2009 model in Scotland so heat isn't an issue!! In fact I love the heat in winter over here! No need for fancy pipes or filters etc. Mine goes like the clappers! Swedish House Mafia on the iPod-turns heads anywhere you go. I've done 6000 miles on stock tyres and I shift it. Will easily get 10,000 out a set IMO. This is a top of the range machine and I like mine a lot!!

[tooeagle]

I too have had issues. Mine has a very noisy transmission or engine - sounds like somehting loose inside - a rattling sound at low rpms, almost like engine knock. Also, very clunky shifting. Regalrdles, noises that shouldn't be there. I went to kawasaki customer service shortly after I bought the bike, and they claim this noise is normal. Too bad, because otherwise, this is an awesome bike!

[MySpankster]

Well its a good thing they fixed and delt with the problems for 2011...looking to get this bike with cobra tri ovals and slp the K&N filter on...she will purrrr...love the lines and the workmanship...to each their own right ??? if everyone had the same tastes they would make only one bike.....good job kawi

[wnbilotta]

The plasti chrome bezels on the dash have already started to loosen up and rattle.  I've had the bike for only four months, I wonder what it will sound like a year from now. Also, there is a loud gear whine in 3rd gear, once again 'normal'.

Be prepared to buy a new rear tire within the first 5000 miles as the stock tires wear out very fast. This has happened to many riders.

[KawasakiTV]

@wnbilotta We are sorry to hear you are having issues with your vehicle. For further support, you may contact Kawasaki Consumer Services. Please visit bit.ly slash "cEumgv".

[vulkanvoyager]

This is rthe best you can do for someone who has bought the "FLAGSHIP CRUISER" from Kawasaki? Hmmm..........

[wnbilotta]

The fuel gauge fluctuates too much. Once the fuel level gets to about 1/4 tank the needle will suddenly fall below E, the word FUEL starts flashing on the dash. Then the level will suddenly rise, the FUEL warning turns off. It bounces up and down so much one has a hard time calculating how much fuel is left in the bike. Once again Kawasaki states this is normal. This happens regardless if the road is flat and straight or bumpy and curvy.

[wnbilotta]

Also, the engine intermittently stalls when slowing down with the clutch pulled in.  Kawasaki is aware of this problem and alledgedly is working on a solution. BTW, they've been working on the solution for the past four months......

The radio sounds very tinny and the reception fades in and out. According to Kawasaki this is normal. Really ? That's your answer ? I gave up using the radio and bought the $108.00 Ipod cable.

[wnbilotta]

This review fails to deliver an unbiased reivew of the motorcycle. First, the positives. The bike is comfortable to sit and the engine does produce enough power for a touring bike. The bike is easy to steer and the dash layout works well.

Now, the negatives. This engine produces too much heat and the rider will definitely feel it. As for airflow past the engine to remove said heat, forget about it. If you get stuck in traffic you will roast on this bike.

[MadIgor1]

@wnbilotta I would like to know how can you get stuck in traffic on a motorcycle?